Happy Anniversary, Grandpa and Grandma!

1945... quite a year. The long war with Germany, Italy, and Japan finally came to a close. American war veterans returned home and a lot of them joined their awaiting sweethearts and began the family they dreamed and longed for.

For Doug Rea and Delma Scott, this rings a similar tune as it is their story as well. For Doug, the great war was spent on the European front serving as a flight engineer on a C-47, and seeing a good portion of his action from D-Day on to the German surrender. For Delma, it was waiting at home, working, and reading the letters he sent. It must be stated that Doug and the pilot of the craft named their particular plane after their sweethearts. So the "Delma and Joye" was one of the big birds over Europe during those challenging times.

After the long-awaited surrender, Doug assumed his future would be a flight east to assist in the defeat of Japan. However, to his pleasant surprise the plane headed west to home. He received his honorable discharge and was able to return to his roots in Jasper County and to his lady-in-waiting, Delma.

September 27 was the date they chose to exchange their vows. The location was across the state line in Columbus, Kansas, before the Justice of the Peace. Following the private ceremony, they made their way home to Webb City and to a first meal of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Home would eventually be on a 40 acre estate along Little Murphy Creek, the location they still reside in to this day. Doug and Delma lived and still live by hard work, and they could never just sit and watch other people toil. Also, they were never a couple to turn their backs on anyone (family, friends, and even strangers) in need. They live even now with this feeling of responsibility. Their life together so far has been touched by the presence of three children, two son-in-laws, five grandchildren, four grandchildren-by-marriage, and most recently the addition of three great-grandchildren. A legacy moving along with the generations.

Their family has definitely had its share of blessings and hardships, but through it all, they've stuck together and grown stronger. Doug and Delma's caring influence and nurturing definitely provided support to the foundation of family unity.

62 years of marriage is achieved through commitment, acceptance, and love. Doug and Delma have truly practiced and perfected these qualities over the years. Super job, Grandma and Grandpa! Congratulations! Happy Anniversary! We love you!